5 Secrets to Getting Words Written

What writer hasn't faced a 75,000 word deadline with a bit of anxiety--especially if he/she is in a time crunch?

I always like to strategize about how to accomplish that big goal with everything else on my plate--most of which is not the equivalent of a layer cake with buttercream frosting.

Long ago, I remember reading an article by the late Andy Rooney in which he described what a book is. One of the things he listed was quoted from an author he knew: "A book is 4 pages a day for 90 days."

That's how I've always approached deadlines. Not as 75,000 words due by September 30, but as X number of words a day until September 30.

How To Devise Your Own Word Count Strategy

This is how you get from the first word of the manuscript to typing THE END.

1. Have the basics of your story down before you begin the manuscript.

The characters, what they want, what keeps them from getting what they want, the Plot Points about which the novel turns, the beginning, and the ending. I'm a firm believer in at least a rudimentary outline so when I sit down to write, I know where I'm going with the story and what I want to accomplish with that day's writing.

2. Know how many typical writing days you have each week.

You do this by knowing how many typical writing days you have in a week. I aim for 5 writing days a week, but I often don't get those in a row. If you work outside the home, then your week might have 3 typical writing days or only 1. Be honest and decide if you really want to write for publication because it requires sacrifice and commitment to be successful.

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3. Know how many words you write in a typical writing day.

You do this by consistently making yourself produce words in what you have determined is a typical writing day. I aim for 2,000 words minimum per day. That's an easy pace for me. If you write only 3 evenings after work, then what is your word count for each of those 3 days? Average it out and that will be your typical word count per writing day.

4. Divide your typical daily word count into the total word count needed.

That gives you the number of writing days to reach your goal. My goal of 2,000 words per day divided into 75,000 words means it will take me 37.5 or 38 writing days to reach my goal.

If you write 3 days a week and produce 300 words each day, that means it will take you [75,000 divided by 300] 250 days to get to THE END. Increase your word count to 600 per day [75,000 divided by 600 = 125 days], and you finish the book in half the time--or add more writing days if 600 words per day isn't something you can do.

5. Become consistent in reaching your word goal each writing day.

Dedicate yourself to your goal, and make it easy enough to do it--300 words a day is just a little over a typed double-spaced page.

When you find yourself easily achieving your daily goal, increase your quota. Remember, the daily quota is just the minimum at which you aim--day in and day out of your typical writing day.

Takeaway Truth

Consistency and persistence are the key to success in any venture. Remember, how do you move a mountain? One shovelful at a time.

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